Keeping your dog’s teeth clean and healthy is just as important as providing them with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and lots of cuddles! Neglecting your dog’s oral health can lead to painful tooth problems, serious infections, and very expensive vet bills.
Most dogs really don’t enjoy having their teeth brushed, which is why dental chews have become a popular alternative for daily, at-home canine oral care. But when is the best time to give dental chew to dog, exactly? Should it be after meals, before bedtime, or as a midday treat?
In this guide, we’ll explain when to give dog dental chew, and also give you some tips on how to make the most of your dog’s dental chews. Our first tip is to start with the best quality chews you can find, like Mighty Munch dog dental chews!
Infused with a powerful probiotic, our dental chews are professionally formulated to fight plaque and tartar, prevent dental disease, and freshen your dog’s breath - all with natural, safe ingredients! Try Mighty Munch dental chews today to give your pup the absolute best in oral healthcare.
Overview of Dog Dental Chews
Unlike regular dog treats, dental chews are formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup and freshen your dog’s breath. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, often with ridges and nubs that help scrub your dog’s teeth as they chew.
Many dental chews are also infused with ingredients that contribute to oral health, like enzymes that fight bacteria or compounds that neutralise bad breath. Yes, they’re a treat, but they can also be an important addition to your pet wellness routine.
Dental chews shouldn’t replace regular brushing - you should still try to brush your dog’s teeth as often as you can. But for dogs who put up a fight (and most do!), a daily dental chew is a great way to complement both at-home and professional cleanings, for a healthier, cleaner mouth.
Is There Really a Best Time to Give Dental Chew to Dog? Our Advice on When to Give Dog Dental Chew
So, is there a best time to give dental chew to dog, or doesn’t it matter? Let’s take a look at why timing might matter, and when to give dog dental chew for best results.
How Timing Influences Oral Health Benefits
The timing of dental chews can impact how effective they are at reducing plaque and tartar buildup. When given at the right time, they can help clear away food debris, promote saliva production (which naturally cleanses the mouth), and freshen your dog’s breath.
If given too frequently or without a schedule, their benefits may be less effective, and they could become just another snack rather than an oral care tool. Remember, dental chews have calories like any other treat, so it’s important to think carefully about how often and when to give dog dental chew.
Morning vs Evening
Is the best time to give dog dental chews in the morning to start their day with fresh breath, or at night to clean their teeth before bed? The answer really depends on the routine that you and your pup have.
A morning chew can help clean away bacteria that accumulated overnight, while an evening chew can help remove food particles and plaque before your dog sleeps. Chewing is a calming action for many dogs, so some pet owners use an evening dental chew as a way to relax their pup for bedtime.
After Meals: Does It Help Like Brushing Teeth?
If you like to brush your own teeth right after a meal, you might be wondering whether dental chews can have a similar effect on your dog. While dental chews can help remove food debris, their more important role is to scrub away plaque and tartar, which accumulates slowly rather than after every meal.
You can still offer a dental chew after your dog’s main meal, especially if their breath tends to get a bit stinky after they eat. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which naturally combats harmful bacteria that may start to build up in your dog’s mouth after a meal.
Giving Dental Chews to Dogs During Downtime
Dental chews aren’t just great for your dog’s oral health, they can also be a much-needed distraction! If you’re trying to take a work call without barks in the background, or cook dinner without constantly tripping over your dog hunting for treats, a dental chew can keep them quiet for a while.
Dogs love to chew when they’re relaxed, and providing a dental chew during downtime can be a great way to satisfy their natural chewing instincts while also improving their oral health and keeping them (briefly) out of your hair - everybody wins!
Before Bed to Minimize Bacteria Accumulation Overnight
Just like us, dogs can experience a buildup of bacteria in their mouths overnight. Giving your dog a dental chew before bed can reduce plaque formation and freshen their breath before they sleep. This helps if you don’t brush their teeth daily, as it keeps their mouth cleaner between dental cleanings at the vet.
Consistency Matters More Than Timing
It’s important to figure out the best time to give dental chew to dog for you and your pup, but consistency is often more important than timing. Regular use ensures that your dog receives the full benefits of dental chews.
How many dental chews can a dog have a day? Make sure you stick to the guidelines on the packaging, which usually recommends one stick per day. Sticking to a routine helps reinforce the habit for both you and your dog, making it easier to maintain their oral health over time.
Can puppies have dental sticks? It’s important to start canine healthcare from a young age, but your puppy’s safety is also important. Again, check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure your dental chews are compatible with your dog’s age and size.
More Tips on Making the Most of Dog Dental Chews
We’ve talked about the best time to give dental chew to dog, but that’s not all you need to know! To get the best results, you need to make sure you’re using dental chews properly - here are our tips.
Choosing the Right Dog Dental Chews
First of all, it’s essential to find the best dental chews for dogs. Look for high-quality, natural, digestible ingredients with no artificial additives, excessive fillers, or harmful chemicals. Stick to dental chews that are recommended by vets and come with lots of positive reviews from other pet parents.
It’s also important to find the right dental chews for your pup - a chew that’s too small can be a choking hazard, while one that’s too hard might damage your dog’s teeth. Choose a chew that matches your dog’s jaw strength and chewing habits, and learn how to soften dog dental chews if necessary.
At Mighty Munch, our top-rated dental sticks are available in two different sizes, making it easier to choose a chew that’s right for your pup. Plus, our probiotic-infused formula makes our natural dental chews the most effective at fighting bad bacteria and stripping away plaque and tartar.
Like all our dog supplements, Mighty Munch dental sticks are made here in Australia, in a human-grade facility. Our manufacturing exceeds Australia’s pet safety standards, and our chews are 100% safe for all breeds and ages.
Whether you’re hoping to freshen your dog’s breath, protect them against harmful oral bacteria, or fight plaque and tartar before they can cause long-term (and expensive) damage, our dental chews are a great place to start. Get yours today for a happy, healthy pup!
Supervise Your Dog While Chewing
Even if your dog is an experienced chewer, it’s always best to keep an eye on them while they enjoy their dental chew. Some dogs tend to gulp down large pieces instead of properly chewing them, which can be a choking hazard or lead to digestive issues.
Also, if your dog is new to dental chews or you’ve just switched to a different product, it’s important to keep an eye out for sensitivities or allergic reactions. If your dog experiences an upset stomach, vomiting, or swelling), stop giving that particular dental chew and talk to your vet.
Combine With a Comprehensive Oral Care Routine
While dental chews help reduce plaque and tartar, they shouldn’t replace other essential oral care habits like regular brushing. Try to brush your dog’s teeth weekly (or more if they’ll let you) with a dog-safe toothpaste.
In terms of how often to get dogs teeth cleaned at the vet, it really depends - talk to your vet about the best schedule for you and your dog. The dog teeth cleaning cost can be quite high, so use at-home cleanings and dental chews to reduce the frequency of your vet dental cleanings.
Closing Thoughts on the Best Time to Give Dental Chew to Dog
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of the best time to give dog dental chews! As we mentioned, the exact timing isn’t important - you may prefer to give your dog a dental chew in the morning, after dinner, or whenever you need them quiet and distracted for a while.
What really matters is consistency - you need to use dental chews every day to make sure your dog is getting all the benefits, from fresher breath to less plaque and tartar. And remember, dental chews work best when combined with other dental care practices like brushing and regular vet checkups.
As well as figuring out the best time to give dog dental chews, you also need to find the best chew for your dog. Mighty Munch dental chews are backed by vets, packed with potent natural ingredients to fight plaque and bad bacteria, and come in two convenient sizes to suit any pup.
Keep your dog’s teeth strong and healthy for years to come - invest in quality dental chews from Mighty Munch today!
